let's get away from here

These lookbooks are always great. The styling almost makes me wish the heat was staying for awhile.

Shoes to buy... ASAP

I love fall fashion more than anything. Blacks can be worn without stares in return, tights come back to hide the lack of tanning and, most importantly, fall shoes are appropriate.

In my mind, the fall season starts now. I am seriously stretching it, but once it gets to the point where I can wear pants comfortably, my fall shoes come out of the closet.

Here are the top shoe trends to buy now!

1. Reptile skin

These don't even need a description about why they should be on your fall wish list, but I'll give you one anyways since I haven't written in a couple weeks. They're elegant and sexy; tough and demure. A girl can wear them to class or while out trying to score a job. 

2. Platform Wedge Boots.

Giuseppe Zanotti

ALDO

Platform boots are my absolute downfall. I wear them until the soles are gone, and my friends are embarassed to be seen with me because my shoes are falling apart. That is why you need a pair. NOW. They are comfy and you can add six inches to your height, easy. How badly do you want those magenta babes on you? They'll make any cold day instantly brighter. 

3. Ankle Straps

Lanvin

Prada

I don't think this is a trend I'll be trying out anytime soon, but the ankle strap is a great way to make your legs look AMAZING. Bring the look into fall by wearing with a sheer black tight and tight leather dress.


4. Bad-ass Boots

Michael Kors

Vince Camuto

Because how good does it feel to look like a badass and still wear pretty shoes? They handle the cold, keep your feet dry, and work while you're running from show to show in fashion week.

5. NEON

Fendi

Neon is still kicking ass in summer trends, so why not embrace it and rock it through fall? I am ever so guilty of relying on my dark clothes, but I am committing to neon this fall.





Since I haven't written in forever, I apologize! School is kicking back up soon, which, ironically, means I'll have way more time to write. Plus I'll be in the same city as Mel again (finally!) and can kick her back into shape because I know you love your sex posts!

Lookin' Good, Lazy

It's back to school shopping time!

I'll be realistic and admit that I've been "back to school" shopping since the first week I got home from school in April. I've spent the past four months acquiring quite the collection of clothes and quite the unhealthy addiction. But thats beside the point.

When it comes to school, I'm all for dressing up to go to class. But theres some days when it's enough that I'm even making the trek to campus, let alone dressing well for it. The days I do wear my sweats to school (which are usually the same days I forgo the hair washing) I always end up feeling so gross and lazy. These are also the days I tend to run into everyone I know on campus. Yay.

In the most recent issue of "Glamour", theres an article on how to dress lazy and comfy without feeling gross in sweats: "It's just as easy to throw on a pair of jeans and flats as it is to throw on sweatpants".

SO, when going back to school, there's a few items that can help out with the whole lazy day attire issue:

1. A good pair of COMFY jeans.

I just bought a pair from Zara that I know I'll live in this year. They're ridiculously comfy, but actually look good. I could wear them to class or the bar. The great thing about having jeans like this is you may as well be wearing sweats, but you don't feel like a complete lazy bum when you're in them. I know jean shopping can be frustrating, but its worth it to find even one pair that fits like a glove.

2. A long cardigan that fits WELL.

I own a lot of long, grandma cardigans, but this summer I bought a black Wilfred cardigan that has a lot of shape to it and is also extremely warm and comfy. I feel stylish AND like I'm wrapped in a blanky, all at the same time. Extremely versatile.

3. A bunch of tanks in solid colours.

I grab all my tanks from H&M about a size too big. They're about $10 each and fit really nicely. They're not tight enough that I look like I'm going to the gym, and they're loose enough that I could throw a necklace on and get away with em at the bar.

I hope everyone who is heading back to school in 2 weeks has a wonderful year. I personally can't wait to get this show on the road. I'm going crazy waiting!

Love,

Sarah

Long distance lovin'

Summer is coming to close, and you may have found a summer romance. As students, we often find ourselves going to different cities for different parts of the year, and perhaps running into something amazing on our way through. If you have decided to blow out the flame before parting ways to go back to school, think again. Whether it's a few hours or a day away, you can make it last as long as you have the determination to do so.

First of all, don't think of the negatives right away, because not being able to see each other at every waking moment is actually pretty healthy. It keeps you both independent, and when you do see each other, it's that much more special.

You also get to spend more time with your own projects, friends and so on. No one wants to be the person that ONLY hangs out with their boyfriend/girlfriend. You need your own life, and having a long distance relationship allows for this a lot more, which is not a bad thing when you're young! You can still talk daily on the phone before bed, but having some time for yourself is never a bad thing.

Of course, before the long distance begins, you'll want to talk about it and decide what you want for the future, and if you want to make it work, or break it off until you're back in the same city.

I know a lot of people, including myself, that are very happy in their long distance relationship, and even though it's difficult sometimes, there are ways to make it seem not so bad. I can't complain too much about my two and a half hour trek when Berlin and Florida are on the list of places my friends boyfriends are/have been. And even though you can't cuddle every night you can still make it work with a few things all of us long distance lovers have surely tried.

First of all, you're going to need a web cam so you can see your sweetie, no matter where you might be. My personal choice is skype. You can drag your laptop into a cozy spot and talk for hours, or just have a quick chat before going out. Skype is a given, if you don't have it, get it! Google talk also works wonders and has better video quality.

Another important thing to think about is you cell phone or home phone, and the long distance plan. Make sure you have unlimited, or put them in your top five so if you have an urge to dial 'em, you can at ease! Texting is also good, it's nice just to be able to update each other on little things through the week. I also enjoy receiving simple smiley faces.

Now, when things get busy, that's when stuff gets tough. But if you are both working hard, it's easier to make it through. Just stay focused, and if you can't talk every day, sneak in a quick text, or even a five minute phone call on your commute.

And of course, there are the trips. Take turns visiting one another, or even make a weekend trip to another city to get away for a bit. The few days you get to spend together every so often are the most important in making it work.

Of course, it can't always work, so don't beat yourself up if it doesn't. Depending on distance, it can be difficult, but it all depends on what you make of it. IT doesn't have to be complicated unless you make it that way.

What are some of YOUR tips on keeping your long distance love alive?

-M

*Photos via longdistancelover.com & cupidblogger.com